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Symposium on Women's Careers in Engineering at Okayama University

On December 21, 2025, Okayama University's Faculty of Engineering organized a symposium titled "Considering Careers for Women in Engineering" at the Tsushima Campus's Co-Creative Commons (OUX). The event attracted approximately 60 participants, primarily high school students eager to explore career opportunities in engineering.

Three distinguished alumni from the Faculty of Engineering were invited as speakers: Sayaka Mori, a systems engineering graduate; Yuki Nanjo, a graduate from the telecommunication department; and Assistant Professor Ai Miyamoto, who graduated from the chemical biology department. They shared their professional journeys, detailing their current roles, experiences during secondary education, university admissions, campus life, and post-graduation career paths.

A panel discussion followed, addressing the question, "Why are there so few women in engineering, and how can we increase their numbers?" The discussion included the insights of Yuri Nakamura, a technical specialist from the Comprehensive Technology Department, and engaged the three speakers actively. They discussed their reasons for choosing engineering, university research activities, and the importance of diversity within the workplace, leading to a vibrant and fruitful exchange of ideas.

Later, the symposium featured individual counseling sessions where the speakers were joined by five current students, including members of the Engineering Women's Association. They responded to career and education inquiries from high school attendees and fostered an environment of warm interaction. Participants expressed appreciation, citing that the talks and the chance to ask questions in a personal setting heightened their interest in both Okayama University and the Faculty of Engineering.

The event is part of an ongoing initiative aimed at promoting career awareness among young women and increasing enrollment in engineering fields. Future events are being planned, welcoming not just high school students but also middle schoolers, university students, parents, and educational professionals.

Engineering Women's Association

The Engineering Women's Association is an organization consisting of female engineering students, including graduate students, who connect across different courses and grades. Launched in July 2025, the association promotes a supportive community where members can discuss challenges like foundational subjects, course selections, laboratory placements, graduate studies, and career paths, ultimately empowering them to pursue their academic interests confidently.

Participant Engagement

Participants at the symposium engaged attentively with the lectures. The atmosphere during panel discussions was vibrant, highlighting the passion these speakers hold for their chosen fields, as well as the supportive community surrounding them. After the event, group photos capturing the camaraderie among attendees and speakers illustrated a successful day of networking and empowerment.

The Okayama University Tsushima Campus was not just a venue for the symposium but a vibrant hub where future innovators gathered to share knowledge. Events like this aim to renew enthusiasm for engineering among young women and encourage them to visualize successful careers in the field.

This initiative reflects Okayama University's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. As the university continues to engage its community and students, they express excitement about future collaborations and opportunities.

For more information on the Faculty of Engineering at Okayama University, you can visit their official website.